I–II–IV–iii

A progression that introduces a major II chord borrowed from the Lydian mode, giving the harmony a bright, lifted quality. The resolution to IV and then iii provides an unexpected but satisfying melodic path.

Pattern: I – II – IV – iii   Example in C Major: C – D – F – Em

Genre: jazz   Difficulty: advanced

Choose a Key

C Major C – D – F – Em G Major G – A – C – Bm D Major D – E – G – F♯m A Major A – B – D – C♯m E Major E – F♯ – A – G♯m B Major B – C♯ – E – D♯m F♯ Major F♯ – G♯ – B – A♯m F Major F – G – B♭ – Am B♭ Major B♭ – C – E♭ – Dm E♭ Major E♭ – F – A♭ – Gm A♭ Major A♭ – B♭ – D♭ – Cm D♭ Major D♭ – E♭ – G♭ – Fm

Song Examples